Preview: Perth Glory v Canberra United

Perth Glory will host Canberra United as the pair meet in the west for the first time since last season’s memorable Grand Final.

Perth Glory will host Canberra United as the pair meet in the west for the first time since last season’s memorable Grand Final.

Much, however, has changed since then with the Glory facing a virtual must-win scenario while United this time start as favourites.

The Glory have won just two of their nine matches this season, and they face a massive test against the in-form second-placed Canberra.

Many key personnel that were integral for the Glory’s premiership win last season are now gone, including coach Jamie Harnwell, while their Westfield Matildas star Sam Kerr is, of course, out for the season with injury.

History also offers little solace for the home team. United has only ever lost once in Western Australia, a 0-3 defeat at Ashfield Reserve last season. They otherwise have won three and drawn three of the seven outings across the Nullarbor.

United are hopeful that captain Nicole Begg will resume her place in the line-up after a back complaint. It would be yet another member of last year’s championship winning side to return to Perth. The Glory, for their part, have fewer remaining players from that defeat.

All the signs point to a Canberra United win, but the Westfield W-League is prone to springing surprises with regularity.